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The LADDER

Looking Back

Looking Forward

The LADDER

Great Falls, Montana

1967

I had just been punished at school for doing something my Mother had instructed me to do. (pushed a bully back) I WAS ABSOLUTELY LIVID! Resolved to get revenge on the responsible party - but who was the guilty one? The teacher? Maw? I sat down on this ladder and resolved not to get up until I had the answer. But as I ruminated on this question of responsibility; I found it lead me into a profound realization. I was inescapably responsible for everything in my life. Further rumination disclosed that I had built my entire world view on assumptions. I actually knew nothing except that I existed. (Discovered Descartes "I think therefore I am") I was mortified and scared. But I knew the truth. I felt it's freedom and was awed by it. I had sat on this ladder as an angry child but, to a great degree, arose from it a man.